At that moment, the generals streamed out of the manor’s gates, still buzzing with excitement as they discussed the events.
“Our new lord is no ordinary man—sharp, calm, decisive, and with terrifying strength!”
“Absolutely, the lord’s performance today won me over completely. Both his power and his ability prove he’s worthy of leading Dongyuan Prefecture!”
“I knew it—how could someone the emperor chose and took as a disciple be ordinary? This man’s a prodigy. With him leading Dongyuan Prefecture, we might even share in his glory.”
…
The generals walked on, exclaiming and debating.
A bold onlooker stepped forward.
“Sir, who won inside?” the man asked.
“Ahem, of course it was the lord—he’s the rightful authority! The emperor’s appointed commander of Dongyuan Prefecture! As for the traitor Wu Tong, he’s been slain!” a general replied.
His words sparked an uproar among the crowd.
“What? Commander Wu is dead?”
The citizens were stunned—Wu Tong’s reputation in Dongyuan Prefecture was immense, feared and revered by all.
“Don’t talk nonsense—not Commander Wu, the traitor Wu Tong!” the general corrected loudly.
“Looks like Dongyuan Prefecture has truly turned a new page.”
…
Inside Wu Manor.
After everyone had left, only Lin Yun, Huo Zhen, Liang Yuan, and Yang Wan remained.
“Brother, your outwitting of Wu Tong today was a masterstroke of brains and bravery—I, Yang Wan, am in complete awe,” Yang Wan said, stepping forward with flattery.
Just as he finished, Lin Yun stumbled.
“Brother!”
Huo Zhen, Liang Yuan, and Yang Wan rushed to steady him.
Only then did they notice Lin Yun’s robes were soaked with sweat.
Outsmarting and outfighting Wu Tong had seemed like a calculated triumph, but the pressure Lin Yun bore was immense!
Especially when Wu Tong summoned the city guard—Lin Yun knew any hesitation, any misstep, would have led to his total defeat.
“Brother, today was no easy feat. Every step had to be perfect, with no room for doubt,” Huo Zhen said with a sigh, having seen it all and knowing Lin Yun’s struggle.
He genuinely admired Lin Yun’s clarity and decisiveness under such circumstances—most would struggle to make bold choices in that chaos.
Lin Yun had shouldered it all alone.
The crowd saw only his brilliance, not the hardship behind it.
Liang Yuan sighed, “Indeed, today was perilous—one wrong move, and it’d have been an abyss. Brother Lin Yun must have faced great trials before. Without such experience, most would’ve frozen in fear, let alone stayed composed. I couldn’t have matched your calm.”
Today had only deepened their admiration for Lin Yun.
“I’m fine,” Lin Yun said, steadying himself and regaining his calm.
“Brother Lin Yun, though it was tough, it was worth it. From today, you’ll fully control the city guard and Dongyuan Prefecture. Killing Wu Tong has cemented your authority,” Liang Yuan said.
“Indeed,” Lin Yun nodded.
After a pause, he added, “Huo Zhen, check the explosion site—see if anything’s left.”
“Yes, sir!”
Huo Zhen dashed off to search.
Soon, he returned with a dozen storage rings.
“Brother Yun, Wu Tong’s ring is gone, but some generals retreated before the blast, so these dozen rings survived, including those of two Transcending Tribulation Realm generals.”
Huo Zhen handed the slightly damaged rings to Lin Yun.
With their owners dead, the rings were unclaimed, and Lin Yun easily opened them.
He quickly tallied the contents: 30,000 Transcending Tribulation Pills, 140 million spirit crystals, a few Holy Spirit-grade weapons, and other items.
“They were quite wealthy—30,000 pills isn’t bad at all,” Lin Yun remarked.
It was no small sum.
“If Wu Tong’s ring had survived, he alone might’ve had that much,” Huo Zhen said.
“Split the 30,000 pills among you three. Liang, hold onto the rest for now—we’ll distribute them to the personal guard once it’s formed,” Lin Yun said.
Liang Yuan protested, “Brother Lin Yun, how can that be? 30,000 pills is huge—you keep them for your realm advancement!”
Huo Zhen added, “Brother, Liang’s right—keep them. We can’t accept this.”
“Don’t argue. Huo Zhen and Liang, these pills should push you up a realm. Yang Wan, you’ll get closer too. Your growth matters to me as well,” Lin Yun said.
Smiling, he continued, “Besides, I’ve got plenty of pills for now—the emperor rewarded me generously. I won’t lack any soon. Take them—it’s an order!”
“Well… thank you, Brother.”
The three relented.
“Brother, I’ve served in the military for years, and no superior has been as generous as you. Following you is my greatest fortune!” Huo Zhen said earnestly.
Liang Yuan nodded. Without Lin Yun, he’d still be languishing in the Martial Exam Hall—Lin Yun was his benefactor.
Each took 10,000 pills.
“Brother, with my own pills plus these 10,000, I’m nearly set to break through to Seventh Transcending Tribulation Realm! These pills have slashed the time I’d need—I chose the right man!” Yang Wan said joyfully.
When Yang Wan surrendered and bound himself to Lin Yun’s soul contract, he’d feared being treated as a slave.
Instead, Lin Yun treated him as an equal and was so generous—Yang Wan resolved to follow him through fire and water!
“It’s getting late—let’s head back. Liang, notify the authorities to handle the cleanup,” Lin Yun instructed.
…
News of Wu Tong’s demise spread like wildfire, sweeping the city overnight!
Citizens were stunned—Wu Tong, a towering figure in Dongyuan Prefecture, had been defeated by the new lord?
Respect for this unseen lord surged among them!
